After 5 days you can begin gently exfoliating the area 1-2x a week. You should also avoid sun or UV exposure to the treated area/s for 2 weeks after your treatment. To help calm and soothe your skin after your Laser Pigmentation Removal, we recommend applying a soothing gel.
Generally, pigmentation from laser treatments typically starts fading within 7 to 14 days. However, it may take several weeks or even months for complete fading, particularly in darker skin tones. Proper post-treatment care and sun protection are crucial in helping to speed up the process.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline®, Aquaphor® or Aloe Vera gel, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved. Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
Pico laser downtime refers to the time it takes for your skin to recover after a treatment session. For most patients, this period is brief, typically lasting between 24 to 48 hours. While some individuals may experience mild redness or swelling, these side effects usually subside within a day.
In the first few days following your laser treatment, you may notice that the pigmentation appears darker than before. This is caused by the treated pigment rising to the skin's surface as it breaks down, signalling the start of the healing process.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
Can I wear makeup during the healing time after pigment laser treatment? Yes, you can apply mineral makeup to the treated area from day 2.
At Laser Clinics Australia, we advise our clients to shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before their session, avoid sun exposure or tanning, and refraining from waxing or plucking. Understand that laser hair removal usually requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
The hyperpigmentation associated with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be worsened by laser treatment, as the heat and energy can cause the pigment itself to become further entrenched in the skin.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
Consult your dermatologist about the best type of moisturiser to use on your face after treatment. Some options include Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or products that contain hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, lanolin, or aloe.
Typically, the interval between each pigmentation removal treatment is about 3 weeks. Depending on the type of pigmentation, a longer interval might be required if a strong laser setting is used. It usually takes between 2-8 session of laser treatments to significantly reduce pigmentation, depending on the condition.
Depending on the type of laser used, the recovery duration varies. For non-ablative lasers, the recovery period is 3 to 5 days. Alternatively, for ablative lasers, recovery might extend to approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
For a long time, the belief was to steer clear of all active ingredients post-laser treatment. However, new studies suggest otherwise . One study found that after Fraxel laser, applying a topical vitamin C serum has been shown to reduce the injury of the skin's surface barrier and even help restore pH.
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the pigmentation to fade. BBL and laser treatment are not one-off treatments. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Laser treatments can leave your skin feeling dry and sensitive. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day to replenish moisture and protect the skin's barrier. Apply Sunscreen: Your skin becomes especially sensitive to UV rays after laser treatment.
Immediate Care Tips for Post-Laser Recovery
Keep It Cool: Use cool compresses to soothe the skin. Apply gently to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and Moisturize: Hydration is key to skin recovery. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.